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Troubleshooting Guide

Something not working as expected? Don't worry! Most issues have simple solutions. Let's get you back to creating amazing screenshots in no time.

Quick problem solver

Quick Error Checker

Find solutions for common issues

Most common issues

Screenshots are failing

  • Check URL format (include https://)
  • Increase wait time for slow sites
  • Verify the site is accessible
  • Try a different quality setting

API key not working

  • Verify X-API-Key header format
  • Check for extra spaces in key
  • Ensure account is active
  • Try regenerating the key

Can't create sites

  • Check your plan's site limit
  • Ensure site name is unique
  • Verify account permissions
  • Try a different site name

Slow performance

  • Check your internet connection
  • Try during off-peak hours
  • Use standard quality first
  • Contact support if persistent

Understanding error codes

Common HTTP Error Codes
400Bad Request:Invalid URL format or missing parameters
401Unauthorized:Invalid or missing API key
403Forbidden:Valid API key but insufficient permissions or domain restrictions
429Too Many Requests:You've hit your usage limit
500Server Error:Something went wrong on our end

Domain restriction errors (403)

Getting a 403 Forbidden error? This often happens when trying to screenshot a URL that's not allowed by your site's domain restrictions. Here's how to diagnose and fix it.

When you'll see this error

  • Your site has domain restrictions enabled
  • The URL domain isn't in the allowed list
  • Using a site-scoped API key with restrictions
  • Subdomain not automatically included

How to fix it

  • Add the domain to your site's allowed list
  • Use a different site without restrictions
  • Switch to a full-access API key
  • Check if you're using the right subdomain

Understanding domain matching

What's allowed:

If your site allows “example.com”, these URLs will work:

  • ✓ https://example.com
  • ✓ https://www.example.com
  • ✓ https://blog.example.com
  • ✓ https://api.example.com

What's blocked:

These URLs will return 403 Forbidden:

  • ❌ https://competitor.com
  • ❌ https://different-site.org
  • ❌ https://example.net
  • ❌ https://malicious-site.com

Pro tip: Check your site settings

Before assuming it's a domain restriction issue, check your site's configuration in the dashboard. Sites without domain restrictions (most common) won't cause 403 errors from domain mismatches.

Quick diagnostic steps:

  • • Check if your site has domain restrictions
  • • Verify the URL domain matches allowed domains
  • • Test with a URL you know should work
  • • Try with a different site or API key

When to use restrictions:

  • • Client work (limit to their domains)
  • • Public integrations (security)
  • • Team collaboration (scope access)
  • • Compliance requirements

Detailed troubleshooting

System status

All systems operational

URLPixel is running smoothly

Screenshot API✓ Operational
Dashboard✓ Operational
CDN Delivery✓ Operational

If you're experiencing issues while all systems show operational, the problem might be specific to your setup. Try the troubleshooting steps above or contact support.

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